York Theatre Royal, The Grand Old Dame of York – Review

For the final year, and in celebration of his 40th year, Berwick Kaler is staring as York’s legendary pantomime Dame in The Grand Old Dame of York.

Nice to see York Theatre Royal’s lovely, friendly and familiar faces, within the production, including Suzy Cooper, David Lenard and Martin Barrass.

Get your jazz hands and vocals at the ready and prepare to clap, cheer and boo this all-star cast who sing, “there’s no panto like this panto” and they are not wrong.

From the set, costumes and choreography to the cheesy slapstick family fun and dastardly capers, this panto offers substance with a quality performance throughout.

The man of the moment Berwick Kaler once again pulling off another exciting, energetic and entertaining performance – outstanding! Another standout job came from Les Miserable, part-time dentist and full-time villain. With his dastardly capers keeping York’s theatre crowds action infused and amused.

At the centre of the story, this villainess creature, Les Miserable, attempts to stop laughter in its tracks, Booooooo, but with upbeat bursts of musical mayhem and genuine hilarity throughout, giggles are plentiful and laugh out loud moments shall not be stopped.

Grab yourself a 40 years stunning souvenir brochure, jelly babies and concessions and prepare to be entertained.

Even though Berwick makes a break for it in the hot air ballon, The Grand Old Dame of York, at York Theatre Royal, is not full of hot air…this panto performance is pure pizzazz and perfection! Best news you have not missed out, as the show must go on and continues until the 2nd of February 2019.

Make memorable moments, as on select days at York Theatre Royal, you can snap up the chance for a behind the scenes tour whereby you get the inside scoop on all the backstage action.

Personally, for me standing on the York Theatre Royal stage was a legendary moment that will never be forgot. Mark Walters detailed set designs are mind-blowing and to see the wall of signatures was superb.

Marvellous Michael our tour guide, all round nice chap and clearly a passionate theatre buff who produced a 5 star performance with a genuine spirit and love for his role.

The York Theatre Royal, Colonnade Café is the perfect place to pitstop prior to your performance for some scrummy food and drinks such as fish goujons, chips and salad, a range of paninis and a quality range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Berwick may be hanging up the tap shoes, but his legacy continues on, as thanks to the generosity of York’s loyal pantomime audiences, the theatre will continue the launch of the Berwick Kaler Foundation, as the community comes together to raise funds for many more years to come.

“There’s no panto like this panto” check out York Theatre Royal to indulge and experience some of the theatrical magic for yourself.

Wow. I haven’t been to a theater in ages! The only theaters I have been to recently are movie theaters with kids all around me. The York Theater Royal looks really grand! To sit in those plush chairs and watch a really entertaining show, plus good food to boot is my idea of a fun time!

I’m sure it was brilliant and funny … unfortunately I don’t like pantos! I know, I’m a right humbug! I have tried, I honestly have, but everyone I’ve ever been to has annoyed me rather than made me laugh. Don’t worry, everyone thinks I’m strange !!

No you are not strange for having an opinion and if panto doesn’t suit they offer a whole range of other performances throughout the year, so its game on. That said this one is a panto like no other, so you may well be surprised by this. Take the leap of faith and check it out xx

I haven’t been to a panto in years and years. They don’t do anything like it here in Portugal but we’re considering going home to Ireland for Christmas this year and if we do I’d love to bring our son to a panto.

This sounds awesome! Believe it or not, I have not been to the theatre as an adult, the only time I went was when I was a child but I would love to experience that again. Maybe this year :-). Btw, the food looks amazing!

The Grand Old Dame of York sounds so much fun! It’s great that you can visit backstage too. My daughter is 16 so doesn’t want to go to the pantomime anymore, it’s so disappointing as I always loved our Christmas panto trips.